Since the introduction of MSX and Dermo in the 1950s, two infectious diseases that played a large role in the decline the Chesapeake Bays oyster population, several oyster hatcheries along the Eastern seaboard are working with scientists across many fields to develop innovative restoration programs. One idea is to introduce a non-native oyster from China called Crassostrea ariakensis.

In this video podcast, MicrobeWorld talks about current research underway with C. ariakensis, the potential risk of new diseases that could affect the Bays ecology and/or human health, the attitudes ofMarylands watermen toward the oysters possible introduction, and the role of local, state and federal policy.Special thanks goes out to the DC Science Writers Association, the Marian Koshland Science Museum and the University of Maryland Center for EnvironmentalSciences Horn Point Laboratory for helping with the logistics and planning of the shoot.